Water Softener and Filter
 

We live south of CR466 and our irrigation water is separate from our house water. We are going to have a new shower surround installed, but because of our hard water we want to have a water softener installed first. Because we have a hot tub in which we can’t use softened water, we thought to have a filter installed.

Questions: Who have you used to install a softener and filter that you were happy with the function, installation and price?

Can we use softened water that’s been filtered in our hot tub?

Can a softener be installed in a way that the outside spigots don’t use softened water?

Thx for all your help.

First you CAN have a hot tub and a water softener, we have been doing for almost 10 years, you (or your spa care taker) will simply need to add some calcium to 'harden' the water, and we have found this only needs to be done when you completely empty the spa once or twice a year.

As for NOT using filtered/softened water on the outside spigots, this would depend a lot on how your house is piped. In our case not a possibility, but this makes washing the cars really nice.

We have both a water softener and a whole house filter, and great water.

Get the filter & softener system from NOVA Filters. They add valves so that you can filter the water and bypass the softener when desired. This is useful for your spa as well as anyone that wants filtered water but doesn't want to soften water to wash cars, etc. Turn it back on to rinse.

Most system have bypass valves as you need these for maintenance, but your point is well taken about using the bypass for filling the hot tub, I would not go to the trouble for just topping off the hot tub.

Thank you both; I appreciate the information.

what is the best filter we live south of 44

Nova Filters - filters & also softener. You can start with just the filters if you'd like and add the softener later. But, I'd recommend going ahead and getting both.

We have Nova whole house filters which are great. We do not like the feel of soft water so no softener for us.

Our house is 19 years old and we are the second owners; the first owners weren’t much on maintenance. The minerals that have collected on the tile walls of our shower are impossible to completely remove. It’s not soap scum because we rinse the shower after each use. Since we are going to replace this shower, I want to get the minerals removed from the water so this situation isn’t created again. The only way I know of to do this is with a water softener and filter. Does any anyone have a system other than Nova that they like?

Softner
 

we use a system from Pegasus in Wildwood. It uses potassium chloride(salt substitute) which has gone up in price. We are very happy with system I only add a bag every 3-4 months. They guaranteed the system for life and will even move it for you if you decide to move.

A bag every 4 months is not correct, should be 6-8 weeks if programed correctly

Nova uses Potassium also

The outside spigots by code are drinking water so would be softened. You can bypass the softener and get unsoftened water at the spigots but everywhere else in your house also. You can also add a spigot at the softener on the supply side that will provide unsoftened water.

Used glacier waters for a puronics system that has a carbon filter and uses silver as the disinfectant because the chlorine has been removed. It was about $1600. We are happy with it.

NOVA for me.

Get Nova filter and softener

We put a Nova filter in soon after we bought. My wife hated the taste of the water. All good now.
But we have a softener here in Indiana and love it. Lime in the water here is very high, which is not the case in TV. Now we're considering putting one in since we love soft water.

We have a Sears water softener and Sears whole house filter, going on 9+ years old, and I had sears water softeners for decades in previous house, each one outlasted the 10 year warranty. Alas, Sears is no more, so I will be looking for a suitable replacement. I have seen combo units that would save a lot of space. I will probably use Consumer Reports to get a good replacement.

We were in the same boat as you a couple months ago here in Indiana. I've had a Sears softener for years. Ours gave out so I started researching. Ended up buying a Rheem. So far, so good.

Good luck getting Nova filters! We’ve been dealing with a guy for 2 weeks now with no luck. We want filters and softener but he‘s been extremely difficult to deal with on the phone, and very slow with text message replies. We’re going in circles with him. Ready to find another company that’s not crazy expensive like Pegasus is.

Make it Simple
 

If you can't get a recommendation you can trust for a plumber, go to Home Depot or Lowe's. Each will set you up with a plumber. Buy a simple, cheap, softener as they all work the same. There is no reason to use anything but salt and there is no reason to not use softened water at the outdoor spigots. The salt does not enter the water. All it is used for is to exchange the sodium ion (the Na of NaCl) for a calcium ion, the calcium being what makes the water hard.

Home Depot or Lowe's will sell you a 2-stage filter by iSpring. the two stages being a sediment filter and an activated charcoal filter which will remove the chlorine and anything else which smells or tastes bad. You do not need the 3rd stage model as it only removes iron, which is not present in our water.

Three recommendations: First, buy the 10" filters and not the 20". You will have to change them more often; however, the 20" when filled with water are very heavy and it is cumbersome to remove them and re-install them. The 10" are much easier. The 10" will filter just as well as the 20", the only difference is that they must be changed more often. Second, while you are going to all this trouble and will have a plumber at your house, have him install a Watts circulating pump in the hot water line. This will give you near-instant hot water at the faucets and the showers, which is oh so nice. Third, have the plumber change the sacrificial anode in the water heater. This is the device which prevents the metal of the water heater from rusting. It is a rod of aluminum or magnesium which corrodes easily from the slight amount of electricity which is always present in a water system. It corrodes and the steel of the tank does not. Odds are you have never heard of the sacrificial anode-don't be embarrassed, few have.

That is strange. I have had them out twice, once to install the filters and once to change the filters. They were quick and professional.

The Nova guy is an active member here, though I forget his name. I'm sure he will reply to your post.

Not sure perhaps playing telephone tag, but we are very prompt on return calls/texts and email.

I don't know who you are so I just sent you PM with my direct cell#

Bob

I want to thank Bob for contacting me and helping us with our Nova filters installation. All has been resolved, and we are getting these installed soon. If I could delete my comment now I would, but it’s been quoted several times so that would likely be pointless.

Glad we have it resolved

Bob

As always!